GENESIS/...AND THEN THEY WERE THREE... CDS 4010 (-78) UK

Their first studio full-lengther since the 1976 "Wind And Wuthering" (see earlier post), now as a trio after guitarist Steve Hackett left for a solo carreer. Always liked W&W for the enticing blend of melodic and progressive, making it both adventurous and heart warming - a combination that works for me anytime at all. This sounds like further down the same road. The prog elements are still there, but the tracks are shorter with more classic song structures and less long solos. You get the impression of a trio bursting with advanced skills trying to cool down and play regular songs in a regular way, but not really up to it so instead the well written melodies are spiced with backbeat, odd rhythm sequences and sometimes peculiar tonal patterns. Excellently played and Phil Collins vocals works like a charm. An interesting 50+ minute journey either you're in for an adventure or just want it catchy. On the negative side - I don't get any truly emotional moments as from W&W:s "One For The Wine", "Blood On The Rooftops" or "Your Own Special Way", but maybe that's just me. I also think the audio on this press comes out way too dense, but it's a matter of taste so maybe that's just me again. Favorite tracks "Down And Out" and "Follow You Follow Me". Issued and reissued on about every possible format all over the world through the years. First US on Atlantic (SD 19173). Japan 2013 Virgin CD (VJCP 98023) came remastered in paper sleeve. Premiere UK had label as shown here and fully laminated fold/out cover, some with "tour" insert. (CÄX*) (GYÄ*)